The 13th Annual Young Women in Law Charity Gala

Please join YWL for an evening of networking and fun in support of a worthy cause! 

This year, proceeds from the Gala will go to Interval House.

Interval House is Canada’s first centre for women survivors of intimate partner violence and their children. Founded in 1973 by a feminist collective, it has always had a pioneering spirit, taking a holistic approach to helping women and children leave abuse behind and start new lives, free of violence. 

YWL is thrilled to announce that that for the first time, it will be having a dynamic panel of leading women in the industry: 

Moderator - Susannah Alleyne 

Panelist - Kathryn Bird is the Managing Partner of Ogletree Deakins’ Toronto office. Kathryn is a recognized leader in workplace and education law in Canada, and has been repeatedly recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, the Best Lawyers in Canada, and  Lexpert Rising Star. Kathryn advises employers, social service providers, school boards, and municipalities regarding issues arising from the employment relationship and the provision of services to the public. Kathryn also assists school boards, colleges, and universities with legal matters related to the provision of educational services to students.

A skilled litigator, Kathryn often appears before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, labour arbitrators, and at all levels of court. She has successfully defended public and private employers against a wide range of claims, including human rights allegations, long-term disability benefit claims, and wrongful dismissal actions. Kathryn also provides regular advice to employers and service providers on avoiding litigation through proactive strategic actions.

Panelist - The Honourable Justice Julia Shin Doi was appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in May 2023, making history as the first Korean Canadian woman on the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario and the first Korean Canadian judge in the Toronto Region. Justice Shin Doi has received numerous accolades, including the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada and the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Award. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1994, she practiced at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and Gowling WLG before serving as Counsel at York University and later as General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Governors at Toronto Metropolitan University. She was also a bencher of the Law Society of Ontario and an adjudicator of the Law Society Tribunal.

A dedicated educator, Justice Shin Doi taught legal drafting for over two decades as an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School and also taught corporate/commercial and contract law at leading institutions. She co-authored Behind and Beyond Boilerplate: Drafting Commercial Agreements, a widely cited legal text. Committed to diversity and inclusion, she has served as President of the National GC Network and Chair of the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (Ontario). She also co-founded several influential organizations, including the Korean Canadian Lawyers Association, Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, Roundtable of Diversity Associations, Women General Counsel Canada, and the Korean Legal Clinic.

Panelist - Shara Roy is EY Canada’s Chief Legal Counsel,  responsible for all legal matters for the firm including litigation, regulatory compliance, governance, contracts, commercial agreements and transactions and employment-related matters. Recognized as a thought leader in diversity, equity and inclusion, Shara has received accolades for her work, including the award-winning ReferToHer.com website, where she helped to level the playing field on referrals in the legal profession. Shara brings that passion to the business world as the Chair of 50-50 Women on Boards in Toronto and the 30% Club. Shara’s community involvement includes being a cabinet member of the United Way Major Giving Cabinet and a steering committee member for Malachy’s Soiree benefitting the St. Michael’s Hospital NICU. 

Shara strongly believes that diversity of thought and bold action towards innovation will propel us into the new working world. 

Guests will enjoy savoury hors d'oeuvres and delectable desserts, an opportunity to bid on silent auction items and win incredible prizes, and a complimentary swag bag. You don't want to miss this! 

The Members-Only Presale begins on March 10, 2025. Ticket sales open to the general public on March 24, 2025! Everyone is welcome at this event. All ticket sales are final.

When:             Thursday, May 29, 2025

Where:        One King West Hotel - 1 King Street West, Toronto, M5H 1A1

Time:              6:00 PM to 10:00 PM 

Price:              Members: $100.00
                          Non-Members: $130.00
                          Bulk Sale (10+): $120 each*

This event is open to all genders.

*For Bulk Sale ticketing, please email info@youngwomeninlaw.com

**By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by YWL and its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar YWL events in the future and highlight the event.